Seneca County LEPC receives PUCO Grant funding for training

Seneca County LEPC Awarded $20,125 Hazardous Materials Training Grant in 2025

Tiffin, OH – July 25, 2025 — The Seneca County Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) and Seneca County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) are proud to announce they have been awarded a Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grant in the amount of $20,125. This funding will support critical training for first responders across Seneca County. The grant was awarded by the state program in partnership with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

Program Overview

With the grant, Seneca County LEPC and EMA will deliver two foundational hazardous materials (HazMat) training courses:

• HazMat Awareness Class – Designed to provide first responders with the knowledge to recognize potential hazardous materials incidents, understand associated risks, and initiate appropriate response protocols.
• HazMat Operations Class – A skills-based course that trains personnel to take defensive actions, including containment, isolation, and coordination with advanced HazMat teams.

Both courses are in alignment with national standards and will enhance responder readiness and safety throughout the county.

Training Impact & Benefits

• Expected to benefit up to 60 personnel including fire, EMS, law enforcement, public works, hazardous materials team members, and other emergency response personnel.
• Reinforces Seneca County’s commitment to proactive preparedness through ongoing training and capability building.
• Enhances coordination between responding agencies during chemical, biological, radiological, or other hazardous incidents.

“Seneca County is fortunate to provide this vital level of training to our emergency responders,” said the John Spahr, Director of EMA and LEPC emergency coordinator. “This grant enables us to elevate our HazMat response readiness and protect our communities more effectively. This collaboration ensures statewide standards of training are met locally, strengthening our county’s resilience to hazardous materials incidents.”

Training Timeline & Participation

• Courses are scheduled to be held at the Seneca County Public Safety Building in Tiffin in the fall and winter 2025, dates to be announced.
• Attendance is open to county personnel across all jurisdictions; registrations will be coordinated through the EMA office.
• Certificates of completion will be issued to participants who meet applicable course requirements.

About the Organizations

• Seneca County LEPC serves as the primary advisory and planning body addressing hazardous materials planning and community safety in the county.
• Seneca County EMA leads the county’s efforts in mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, training, and planning for disasters and emergencies.

Grant Program Background

The Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grant program supports counties and regional partnerships in developing and delivering training for emergency personnel. In Ohio, it is administered through PUCO and coordinated via Ohio EMA to bolster preparedness across communities.